THURSDAY'S AT 6:00 PM

T'ai Chi is a low impact exercise routine that is practiced by millions of people everyday around the world. Its slow and gentle movements combined with proper breathing techniques offer the same cardiovascular benefits as moderate impact aerobics. Practicing T'ai Chi or "Playing" T'ai Chi is beneficial for health and with regular practice can aid in reducing anxiety and fatigue, improve breathing capacity, and boost the immune system. Some studies show that T'ai Chi can also help lower high blood pressure, may have positive benefits for people who have Parkinson's disease, and may slow the aging process. Playing T'ai Chi is for young and old and in-between.

In China, where T'ai Chi originated, young and old gather in the parks to practice and learn. It is not unusual to see groups of people practicing many different styles of T'ai Chi. This summer we will be offering a series of free introductory T'ai Chi sessions on the South Lawn adjacent to the Church. The classes will be led by Steve Graue who has played T'ai Chi for ten years and teaches regular classes for the Olathe Parks and Recreation department. The style of t'ai Chi offered this summer is Guang Ping Yang T'ai Chi which is one of the oldest and rarest forms of T'ai Chi.

Our T’ai Chi class is fast approaching its first anniversary. We have had as many as 40 participants and have maintained a steady level of 20 since we moved inside for the winter months. Participants are of various age groups and from different parts of the surrounding area, but curiously enough, there are nearly none from our congregation. We are blessed to have two qualified assistant teach-ers who can take charge of the class if needed and who can assist in teaching beginners and intermediate level T’ai Chi players in learning the 64 movement form.

T’ai Chi developed as an exercise system for monks in the monastery at Shaolin Temple in China around 600 AD. It is unique in that it emphasizes not only the body but the mental and spiritual health of the T’ai Chi player as well. It focuses on bringing the body, mind, and spirit into balance which brings about good physical, mental and spiritual health in the practitioner. Benefits include an increase in the ability of the immune system to combat disease, release and control of the daily stress that can cause illness, better balance to prevent falls, and overall physical well being. Scientific studies show that playing T’ai Chi is beneficial for lowering high blood pressure, alleviating some of the effects of Parkinson’s disease, and lowering pain from fibromyalgia. Other studies show that T’ai Chi’s ability to reduce stress can improve your emotional outlook as well.

We plan on moving outside when the weather gets a little warmer so come and join in playing and experiencing T’ai Chi. The good part about it is that it’s free! You don’t find that very often so please take advantage of this opportunity for good health and good fun.Classes are held on an informal basis, you don't have to sign up, just show us on Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm. Classes will last until 7:00 or 7:30 pm depending on level of interest. Classes are held in on the lawn during warmer months and move to Fellowship Hall when the weather gets colder.

World T'ai Chi Day originated right here in Kansas City at the Nelson Askins Musuem. Check out the link below.

http://www.worldtaichiday.org/NelsonAtkinsMuseum.html